Bishops back in Cape Breton

Majors Rocky and Janice Bishop of the Salvation Army in Glace Bay and New Waterford are seen here at the church in Glace Bay. - Sharon Montgomery

Salvation Army majors overseeing congregations in New Waterford, Glace Bay

GLACE BAY, N.S. - They might be the new kids on the block but not on the island.

Fifteen years after leaving Cape Breton, Salvation Army majors Rocky Bishop and his wife Janice Bishop have returned to oversee congregations in Glace Bay and New Waterford.

Rocky Bishop says it is “awesome” to be back.

“I was so excited when they told us we were coming back,” he said.

This Bishops are originally from Newfoundland. Janice was ordained in 1981 and Rocky in 1982. They spent 14 years in the Salvation Army ministry in communities all over Newfoundland and then seven years in Sydney Mines/North Sydney, followed by seven years in Truro.

The Bishops were then transferred to Ottawa, where they worked in a homeless shelter for two years followed by six years at the Renfrew Community Church.

Janice Bishop remembers the day they got the call to come back to Cape Breton.

“They said, ‘will you take it?’ we said, absolutely.

“We missed the warmth of the people. We just loved it here, it was wonderful. When we left Cape Breton 15 years ago it was hard to go.”

Since arriving in Glace Bay this past summer, the Bishops have been renewing old friendships and spending time pastoring in Glace Bay, New Waterford and surrounding communities.

When they were on the Northside, the congregation included people from Sydney Mines and North Sydney, but it was under one church. This is the first time they’ve been in charge of two churches.

“It keeps us very busy,” she said. “We spend a lot of time visiting hospitals, nursing homes and doing church services and funerals.”

However Janice Bishop said the people in all these communities have been absolutely wonderful.

“They have welcomed us with open arms.”

She said priorities are pastoring the people, being there for them and standing by them and being approachable.

“Doing our best to work with them shoulder-to-shoulder, we are here to work with them and to love them.”

Before the couple considers programs and services, they are continuing to settle into the area.

“It’s a year of observation,” she added. “Meeting the people and assessing the needs.”

Rocky Bishop said he started his career in ‘the Bay’ and will be finishing it in ‘the Bay’ as he and his wife are retiring in five years.

“My first assignment was in White Bay, Nfld. and now I will be finishing it in Glace Bay. I’m glad to be here,” he added.

It has been a busy time for the Bishops who recently hosted an anniversary supper celebrating the Glace Bay Salvation Army’s 122 years in the community.

The Salvation Army holds its Sunday services at 11 a.m. in Glace Bay and at 6 p.m. in New Waterford.

FAST FACTS

• Salvation Army majors Rocky Bishop and Janice Bishop

• Originally of Newfoundland.

• Appointed to Sydney Mines/North Sydney for seven years, leaving the island 15 years ago.